New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) - The captain of India, Harmanpreet Kaur, expressed that experiencing the transformation in visibility and appreciation for women’s cricket following their victory in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup was truly exhilarating. She noted that she and her teammates had anticipated this change once they secured a prestigious title.

Since India claimed the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup at the DY Patil Stadium located in Navi Mumbai, the landscape of women’s cricket in the nation has seen a remarkable shift, with numerous accolades pouring in for Harmanpreet and her squad from various sectors.

"Naturally, I feel elated. We were all aware that achieving a World Cup victory would lead to a shift. Therefore, to experience that change and to actively participate in it is indeed a wonderful feeling," Harmanpreet shared with IANS during an exclusive interview, held at a section in the North Pavilion of the Omaxe State Stadium in Dwarka, New Delhi, which has been named in her honor.

The establishment of the “Harmanpreet Kaur Stand” aims to inspire more female fans to attend cricket matches. This initiative is part of the country’s first-ever dedicated ‘Pink Stand’, set to be unveiled when the stadium is completed by the end of 2027.

"I believe this is a significant milestone. It's remarkable to even conceptualize such an idea in today's world. We often discuss encouraging girls to engage in sports, but we rarely consider how to enhance the experience for those who come to watch," she noted.

“Thus, focusing on their needs and providing equal attention is essential. I hope to see more girls cheering for their favorite teams from the stands. It’s a fantastic initiative," Harmanpreet added.

The accomplished batter emphasized the necessity of developing infrastructure for women’s cricket, including stadiums, training academies, and facilities, to pave the way for the next generation of aspiring female cricketers aiming for the highest echelons of the sport.

"I believe this will greatly benefit them as they won’t have to endure the challenges that our predecessors faced. Our seniors went through tough times, and we experienced some of that too. Now, organizations like Omaxe are genuinely addressing these needs to ensure a quality stadium for young players.

“It’s not solely about international cricket; it’s about the community and even college athletes. They will start envisioning pitches where they can train and experience an atmosphere similar to that of international players. So, I see this as a fantastic initiative, and I hope the new generation will maximize its benefits," she continued.

As of now, India has clinched both ICC events in 2026, and all eyes will be on Harmanpreet and her team to maintain this momentum during the upcoming 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in England, scheduled from June 12 to July 5. Reflecting on India’s success across formats, Harmanpreet acknowledged the role of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in fostering development at all levels of the game.

"This year, we have secured all the trophies to date, which reflects the immense efforts BCCI is investing to enhance all formats of cricket. Their dedication is yielding positive results, and it is gratifying to see all teams excel and win ICC titles."